1. Discuss one of the issues taken up in this module from the point of view of the preliminary and finalist theories discussed in Modules 3 and 4. Note that you must discuss the issue you choose from six perspectives (three preliminary theories and three finalist theories). To put it another way, you must come up with six perspectives on the issue.

Selected Issue: Pornography

Six Perspectives:

PRELIMINARY THEORIES:
a. Ethical Relativism. Each moral situation is unique and that no absolute universal truths apply. We have different views on the ethical issue of pornography primarily because of culture, religion, social norms and preferences. Pornography can be considered as good or bad depending on its purpose or context. It is not morally bad because others considered it as something that is artistic (e.g. nudity). Others view pornography as a violation of decency and morality that has inflicting effects.

b. Ethical Absolutivism. For cases on computer ethics and to facilitate the assessment process of determining if an act is good or bad, there should be fixed or rigid factors for evaluation. If pornography does more harm than good then there must be a standard universal rule that will define it as unethical. This rule applies to all types of circumstances and without exception. The evaluation process becomes straightforward and easy, i.e. pornography is unethical because it brings more harm than good to the people.

c. Ethical Egoism and Altruism. This is use to support certain ethical judgments. One may commit pornography because of desire. Those who desire pornography see something good on it while those who avert pornography see evil or harm on it. When one considered pornography as good and developed something, there is a sense of satisfaction or happiness. It is considered as an achievement and egoism that does not consider the general welfare of others. Egoists believe that there is no such thing as pure altruism or desire to promote the common good. One is more concern on receiving expression of gratitude and praise from people who have the same perspective on pornography.

FINALIST THEORIES:
d. John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism. This is more concern on the results or consequences of an act. Pornography brings happiness to some people and is considered as morally right for them. For others, pornography inhibits happiness and is morally wrong.

e. Immanuel Kants Categorically Imperatives. Pornography may be good not on the basis of results or consequences but because of the “willingness” that accompanies the act. If one considers doing pornography because of the accompanying duty, then it is considered as morally right. For pornography to have moral value, an action must be done out of duty or in accordance to a defined law.

f. Aristotle’s Nicohachean Ethics. This relies on virtues to evaluate the performance of an act. Pornography becomes unethical or bad if it deviates from the concept of righteousness, fairness, goodness and justice. Furthermore, if it brings good life then pornography does not infringe decency.

2. If you were granted indefinite and unrestricted access to the Internet, would you be interested to join a chat group that holds no barrier as far as free expression and communication are concerned? Why? Why not?

Yes, I will be interested to join a chat group that holds no barrier as far as free expression and communication are concerned. This is a challenge and learning process because I need to be more knowledgeable and keen enough to respond to the topics, issues and concerns. This serves as a training ground for controlling my temper and practicing virtues that I have learned. Furthermore, this gives me the opportunity to know people with different views and attitudes and learn how to react and respond to them.

On the other hand, one may decide not to join the chat group because they can see that topics, issues and concerns may not be properly addressed or no solutions or decisions can be reached. This may be due to the fact that some people participating in this chat group are not open to accept opinions or knowledge of others. People joining this chat group have different attitudes, virtues, interests, concerns and perspectives. Some may be egoistic, not concern with the feelings of others and may be out of reasoning when dealing with topics, issues and concerns. Thus, it becomes useless for others to join a chat group like this because of the above underlying reasons. There can be no feeling of happiness but only frustrations.